Design & Technology and Food

Welcome to the subject page for Design & Technology and Food.

You’ll find key information including staffing, curriculum plans and contact details on this page.

Curriculum Intent

“Design and Technology teaches young people to ‘think with their hands.’ The ability to use tools and materials to solve problems is vital, and is as important in medicine and surgery as in the jeweller’s workshop or the sculptor’s studio. Now more than ever, D&T is a crucial subject for every young person.”

Professor Roger Kneebone, Imperial College, London

D&T is a subject that has the power to transform; we aim to teach students about designing solutions that improve people’s lives. Solutions which mean people are able to make better decisions, to work more effectively or comfortably, to fully understand the impact of products and product design on the world and its resources.

We aim to provide a curriculum that will be relevant for the future. To prepare students for work within the full range of Design & Technology careers both locally and beyond. A curriculum that demonstrates that the skills fostered by Design and Technology are valuable preparation for careers in many other fields e.g. medicine, law and computer science.

Regardless of ability or career path we aim to provide knowledge and understanding of newly emerging and rapidly developing technologies in order that students can understand and utilise their benefits.

Through our subject we look to actively develop skills, such as teamwork, project and time management which are consistently sought and valued by employers.

We also teach students practical skills. We value and celebrate their acquisition. Students will develop an appreciation of the varying properties and aesthetic qualities of materials.

Students will be taught to understand technology, people and the environment: in today’s world there is an ever increasing focus on the use of resources and the impact on the environment, resulting in a greater awareness of sustainable design. We aim to teach students about the social, economic and moral issues associated with producing products across the world. Design Technology promotes interdisciplinary learning between Science, Art, and Maths by providing opportunities for students to apply practical knowledge to solving real world problems.

“Design and Technology is a phenomenally important subject. Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity students have in school to apply what they learn in Maths and Science.”

Sir James Dyson

In addressing the above we aim to create an environment in which students can take creative risks, in which they can develop original and imaginative ideas. We empower students to clearly communicate their ideas to others, to knowledgably select the best materials for realising their designs and to complete the design cycle by evaluating and improving their products. All of the skills and knowledge learned equips students not merely for public exams but for their life beyond Clyst Vale.

In recent years technology has been changing the ethos of supporting young learners through their understanding of the subject, by developing their skills in line with the needs of the community and modern technologies with investment in modern manufacturing methods and the use of CAD/CAM. This includes investment in a laser cutter, CNC milling machine, lathe and 3D printing. Students present their work in booklets which helps our staff team to support whole school initiatives, including marking and feedback for progression in line with or above expectation. Students are also encouraged to link their working into a STEM approach (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) as linking with other subjects in a cross curricular way helps students broaden understanding and application of knowledge in practical situations.